Given the RL’s relatively low sales volumes, reliability history is difficult to nail down. Your writer couldn’t track down any systematic or worrisome problems with the 3.5 litre V6 engine, or the five-speed automatic transmission.
Though the last-generation Acura RL seems a reliable bet, several checks are mandatory on a test-drive before agreeing to purchase.
Start outside the car-- noting tire wear, break-pad wear and the overall condition of the sheetmetal and paint. Look up inside the wheelwells for signs of rust, as well as underneath the doors and around the trunk lid. If you don’t like what you see, move to another car or negotiate for a lower price.
A look underneath the RL is advisable, too. Test drivers should look (or have a mechanic look) for fluid leaks around the engine, transmission, transaxle and rear differential. If any are discovered, be sure to find out what’s causing them.
The RL’s sophisticated SH-AWD system appears reliable and built to last-- though it is a mechanical component that could leak, or fail without proper maintenance. If you’re unsure of the service history of the RL you’re considering, budget for a full fluid change to be safe.
Approaching the RL, be sure the intelligent keyfob allows you to lock and unlock the doors with a touch on the handle. Some owners have reported needing to replace the sensor-equipped door-handles in case of system failure. This isn’t surprising, but replacement parts for a car like this are far from the market’s least expensive.
On board, plan to spend several minutes understanding all of the cockpit controls and ensuring the system associated with each is working properly. Check for proper operation from the audio system, power seats, sunroof, all windows, trunk-popper, climate control and lights. Also be sure neither of the xenon headlamps is burned out-- as these can be pricey to replace.
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| 2005 Acura RL (Photo: Acura) |
Though the last-generation Acura RL seems a reliable bet, several checks are mandatory on a test-drive before agreeing to purchase.
Start outside the car-- noting tire wear, break-pad wear and the overall condition of the sheetmetal and paint. Look up inside the wheelwells for signs of rust, as well as underneath the doors and around the trunk lid. If you don’t like what you see, move to another car or negotiate for a lower price.
A look underneath the RL is advisable, too. Test drivers should look (or have a mechanic look) for fluid leaks around the engine, transmission, transaxle and rear differential. If any are discovered, be sure to find out what’s causing them.
The RL’s sophisticated SH-AWD system appears reliable and built to last-- though it is a mechanical component that could leak, or fail without proper maintenance. If you’re unsure of the service history of the RL you’re considering, budget for a full fluid change to be safe.
Approaching the RL, be sure the intelligent keyfob allows you to lock and unlock the doors with a touch on the handle. Some owners have reported needing to replace the sensor-equipped door-handles in case of system failure. This isn’t surprising, but replacement parts for a car like this are far from the market’s least expensive.
On board, plan to spend several minutes understanding all of the cockpit controls and ensuring the system associated with each is working properly. Check for proper operation from the audio system, power seats, sunroof, all windows, trunk-popper, climate control and lights. Also be sure neither of the xenon headlamps is burned out-- as these can be pricey to replace.
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| 2008 Acura RL (Photo: Acura) |